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Child Life Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Boston Medical Center

Child Life Specialist

Boston, MA

$53K - $77K/yr

The Child Life Specialist is responsible and accountable for planning and implementing therapeutic activities and programs to meet psychosocial and developmental needs and facilitates the adjustment ...

Driscoll

Child Life Specialist

Edinburg, TX · On-site

Plans, organizes, and implements Child life programming in the hospital. Responsible for providing a wide range of developmentally appropriate services designed to promote optimum development of ...

Nebraska Medicine

Child Life Specialist

Omaha, NE · On-site

First Shift (United States of America) Child Life Specialist Works with members of the multidisciplinary team to facilitate and implement psychosocial support interventions to decrease stress and ...

WakeMed

Child Life Specialist

Raleigh, NC · On-site

Overview The Child Life Specialist, in collaboration with pediatric service team members, is responsible for assessing the psycho-social, developmental, and cognitive needs of patients, while ...

RWJBarnabas Health

Child Life Specialist

Newark, NJ · On-site

$35.46/hr

Child Life Specialist Location: Newark Beth Israel Medical Ctr Department Name: NBI - Valerie Fund Req #: 0000249530 Status: Hourly Shift: Day Pay Range: $35.46 - $35.46 per hour Pay Transparency:

Boston Medical Center

Child Life Specialist

Boston, MA · On-site

$53K - $77K/yr

The Child Life Specialist is responsible and accountable for planning and implementing therapeutic activities and programs to meet psychosocial and developmental needs and facilitates the adjustment ...

Marshall Health Network

Child Life Specialist

Huntington, WV · On-site

$21.44 - $27.02/hr

Child Life Specialist for Hoops Family Children's Hospital on Cabell Huntington Hospital Campus * Must be currently accepted into, actively in, or finished with an official child life internship * $5 ...

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How much do child life jobs pay per hour?

As of Jul 8, 2026, the average hourly pay for child life in the United States is $16.74, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $14.42 and $18.03 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What are Child Life specialists and what do they do?

Child Life specialists are trained professionals who support children and families in hospitals and other healthcare settings. They help children cope with the stress and anxiety of medical procedures, hospitalization, and illness through play, education, and emotional support. Their goal is to promote healthy development and reduce the trauma associated with medical experiences. Child Life specialists also provide guidance to parents and collaborate with the healthcare team to ensure the child's emotional and developmental needs are met.

What are child life professionals?

Child life professionals are trained specialists who help children and families cope with hospitalization, illness, and medical procedures through play, education, and emotional support. They typically hold a bachelor's or master's degree in child life, child development, or a related field, and may be certified by the Child Life Professional Certification Examination.

What is a career in child life?

A career in child life involves supporting children and their families in healthcare settings to help them cope with illness, injury, or hospitalization. Child life specialists use developmentally appropriate interventions, play therapy, and education to reduce stress and improve patient experiences, often requiring certification through the Child Life Professional Certification Examination.

What jobs pay 4000 a week without a degree?

Child Life specialists typically require a degree in child life, healthcare, or related fields and do not usually earn $4,000 weekly without formal education. High-paying jobs that can reach this level without a degree are rare and often involve skilled trades, sales, or entrepreneurship, but they usually require experience, certifications, or specialized skills. Most roles paying $4,000 a week without a degree are in sales, real estate, or self-employment, rather than child-related professions.

How do Child Life Specialists typically support children and families during stressful medical procedures?

Child Life Specialists play a crucial role in helping children and their families cope with the emotional and psychological challenges of hospitalization and medical procedures. They use age-appropriate explanations, therapeutic play, and distraction techniques to reduce anxiety and promote understanding. Additionally, they often collaborate with medical staff to advocate for the needs of pediatric patients and provide guidance to families on how to support their child’s well-being during treatment. This role requires strong communication skills, empathy, and the ability to adapt interventions to each child’s unique needs.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a Child Life Specialist, and why are they important?

To thrive as a Child Life Specialist, you need a bachelor’s degree in child life, psychology, or a related field, along with knowledge of child development and family systems. Certification as a Certified Child Life Specialist (CCLS) and experience with therapeutic play, patient education tools, and hospital information systems are commonly required. Exceptional communication, empathy, and stress-management skills help you support children and families coping with medical challenges. These competencies are crucial for reducing patient anxiety, fostering resilience, and improving overall patient experiences in healthcare environments.

What degree is best for a child life specialist?

A child life specialist typically holds a bachelor's degree in child life, child development, psychology, or a related field. Many employers prefer candidates with a bachelor's degree, and certification through the Child Life Professional Certification Examination is often required or preferred. Advanced degrees or additional training can enhance job prospects and specialization opportunities.
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Child Life jobs near you
Child Life Extern

Child Life Extern

Marshall Health Network

Huntington, WV • On-site

Part-time

Posted 6 days ago

Job description

Cabell Huntington Hospital is seeking a Child Life Extern to work alongside our Children's Hospital.
The primary purpose of the Child Life Extern is to gain practical, hands-on experience in the hospital environment under the supervision of a Certified Child Life Specialist (CCLS). The Child Life Extern assists in providing developmentally appropriate play, procedural preparation and support, and therapeutic activities to pediatric patients and their families. The extern will observe and participate in clinical interventions while learning about the psychosocial aspects of hospitalization and the child life profession.
Responsibilities include but are not limited to:
  • Support and assist Certified Child Life Specialists in daily clinical duties and interventions.
  • Facilitate play opportunities for children of all developmental levels in the playroom and at bedside.
  • Observe and participate in patient preparation, coping, and procedural support when appropriate.
  • Assist in maintaining safe, clean, and organized play and storage areas.
  • Help coordinate special events, programs, and donor relations with the Child Life team.
  • Document patient interactions under supervision to promote professional growth and understanding of healthcare documentation.
  • Participate in team meetings, rounds, and educational in-services as assigned.
  • Demonstrate respect, compassion, and professionalism in all patient and family interactions.

  • Enrollment in a bachelor's or master's program in Child Life, Human Development, Psychology, or related field required.
  • Completion of a minimum of 100 practicum or observation hours in a hospital or healthcare setting preferred.
  • CPR (BLS) Certification required.
  • Eligibility for or working toward certification through the Association of Child Life Professionals (ACLP) required.
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About Marshall Health Network

Sourced by ZipRecruiter

Marshall Health Network, Inc. is a West Virginia-based not-for-profit academic health system that includes the Marshall Health physician practice; Cabell Huntington Hospital, St. Mary’s Medical Center, Hoops Family Children’s Hospital, HIMG and Rivers Health. We are committed to improving the health and well-being of over one million children and adults in 38 counties in West Virginia, southern Ohio and eastern Kentucky through understanding, respecting and meeting their needs. Introducing Marshall Health Network Marshall Health Network is an academic health system with a visionary approach to healthcare. By aligning our goals under the Marshall Health Network banner, we are able to address healthcare disparities and public health issues while ensuring the latest medical research and clinical trials are available to our patients. We strive for consistency, clarity and character in healthcare. Compassion, quality and collaboration are key. That’s the Power of We.

Industry

Outpatient health care

Company size

11 - 50 Employees

Headquarters location

Huntington, WV, US

Year founded

2024

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